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Depression has become one of the most misused terms in today’s lexicon. It’s almost fashionable to claim, “I’m depressed.” This might sound surprising, given the prevalence of depression narratives on social media. While depression is indeed a serious and real issue, its perceived prevalence has skyrocketed in recent times. It’s crucial to understand what depression truly is. We often mistakenly equate feelings of sadness and grief with depression.
Robert Padman, in the conclusion of his Introduction to Psychology, notes that readers might feel as if they themselves suffer from psychological disorders after reading about various symptoms. Once familiar with these symptoms, one might think, “I exhibit these signs too; therefore, I must have anxiety, phobia, or depression.” While there may be some overlap in symptoms, it’s essential to consult a psychologist if these symptoms are persistent or recurring. Only a qualified professional can accurately diagnose a psychological disorder.
You might be feeling sad, low-spirited, demotivated, or emotionally hurt for some time. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re suffering from depression. Depression is the extreme stage of sadness, and it has specific symptoms.
Types of Depression
Depression is of two types: Existential and Clinical.
Existential Depression
It’s often heard that believers never experience depression. This statement is true in the case of Existential Depression. Existential Depression occurs due to an Existential Crisis. Psychologists define Existential Crisis as:
Existential crisis, also known as existential dread, are moments when individuals question whether their lives have meaning, purpose, or value, and are negatively impacted by the contemplation.
Existential depression is a state of mind where one feels a lack of meaning or purpose in life. It’s a condition where individuals question their existence and find it meaningless. In contrast, Islam clearly defines the purpose of human life. This world is a testing ground, and the results will be revealed in the Hereafter. Allah tests us through life’s challenges, hardships, and losses. These tests reveal who is more faithful, who is grateful to Allah, and who remains steadfast during adversity.
If you have no concept of the Hereafter or destiny, if you don’t understand the reality of this world and consider earthly life as the only life, then existential depression is inevitable. Music and web series cannot provide answers to life’s purpose. There comes a time when these temporary distractions fail to entertain. One might question themselves, “What am I really doing? How long can I continue this entertainment? Where does it all end?”
Existential depression is naturally a characteristic of disbelievers, especially atheists. A believer is one who has come with faith and acts accordingly—one who regularly worships Allah Ta’ala and tries to pray with concentration and humility. That’s why we say a believer can never have existential depression.
A believer has a big goal set before them. They will face big dangers and calamities, thinking that this is a test from Allah Ta’ala. A believer is also affected by worldly sorrows and pains, but they never think, “I will commit suicide,” or “What is the purpose of my life?” They already know the meaning. This is a test from Allah Ta’ala, and if they persevere, they will be rewarded in the Hereafter. Allah Ta’ala will increase their dignity in this world. This was determined in their destiny, and that’s what happened.
Clinical Depression
Another type of depression is clinical depression. Clinical depression can also affect believers. It can be caused by biological reasons or various brain structures. It can also be hereditary. Neuroscience tells us that different types of psychological disorders can occur depending on the structure of your brain. Depression can occur due to the absence of neurotransmitters or hormones. It can also occur due to a lack of serotonin or dopamine. Depression can occur during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and other physiological changes due to hormonal imbalance.
Therefore, we should tell the whole story instead of half. Many religious people may be depressed, but the reason behind it is definitely not existential depression. They are not depressed because they cannot find any meaning in their lives.
Nowadays, especially in Western society, existential depression is seen a lot because there is nothing there to satisfy their hearts or bring them out of darkness. They don’t even have the concept of the Hereafter. This atheism has inflicted a lot of cruelty upon them. Today, the concept of the Creator has been taken away from their lives. It is now our responsibility to inform these people about Islam. They are also children of Adam (peace be upon him) and our human brothers and sisters. Therefore, we must deliver the invitation of Islam to them.
Western, irreligious, modern people suffer from existential depression because depression is now fashionable. Blind followers consider depression a privilege, as it is common among people with “advanced” lifestyles. Social media is filled with countless stories of depression, and people mistakenly perceive ordinary sorrows as depression.
The Harm of Mislabeling Depression
What harm does thinking of oneself as depressed cause? It sends a wrong message to our brain. People start to consider themselves sick and give up easily on everything. This is the biggest weapon of Satan. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said that a hopeless believer is the most beloved to Satan, as he can easily mislead him and keep him away from Allah’s worship.
I often see people whose lives are filled with chaos, conflicts at home, and various work stresses. They neglect their responsibilities and easily fall into depression. This affects their prayers, and they no longer enjoy them.
Look at our young people. Due to a lack of proper Islamic education and maturity, they mistake any sudden emotion for love. Then, when they face any disagreement with their loved ones, they become sad and demotivated. Satan takes advantage of this situation. The young person becomes antisocial and isolates themselves in their rooms. Then they fall into depression.
On the other hand, Bollywood sad songs further worsen their depression. Therefore, have mercy on yourself. Try to understand Satan’s trick. Learn to be happy. Happiness can be achieved through effort.
If you get depressed for such a trivial reason, what was the fault of Yusuf (peace be upon him)? He was thrown into a well. When the companions faced hardships, they became distressed and thought that Allah might be displeased with them because Allah tests His beloved servants with trials.
Especially for men, depression is completely inappropriate. If you become demotivated and sit down, what will happen to the rest of your family? You are the head of the family. So take the lead from the front. When you face difficulties in life, pray to Allah Ta’ala for help. Surely, there is relief after hardship. If you face difficulties in life, there will definitely be relief. But if you cannot find a solution to any problem, be patient. Pray to Allah Ta’ala for help.
Depression Symptoms
Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness. However, there are some common symptoms. They are:
- Feeling sad, crying, hopelessness, and emptiness.
- Getting angry over small things.
- Feeling hopeless over small things.
- Losing interest in most or small aspects of daily life, such as sex. As a result, married couples lose interest in their marriage.
- Irregular sleep, such as insomnia or excessive sleep.
- Putting excessive effort into small tasks.
- Change in eating habits, losing weight or increasing appetite and gaining weight.
- Feeling worthless.
- Blaming oneself for past events.
- Having trouble concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things.
- Thinking about suicide.
If you experience several of these symptoms at once, you may be suffering from depression. Otherwise, these symptoms may be sadness or grief, and you can easily overcome them.
Causes of Depression
Relationship Issues: Many people experience depression due to relationship problems. They may have loved someone and wanted to marry them, but it didn’t happen. This can lead to depression. Sometimes, disagreements arise with family, friends, relatives, or in-laws, which can also cause sadness. In old age, children may not take good care of their parents. In short, relationships can cause pain.
Financial Reasons: When a person doesn’t get a job as expected, they may become depressed. If a business suffers a big loss or faces financial difficulties, it can lead to depression.
Past Events: I believe worrying about the past is one of the main causes of depression. We can’t easily forget past accidents, like a divorce.
Feeling Inadequate: If someone feels incomplete or inadequate in any way, they may become depressed. For example, a person may not be considered beautiful by worldly standards. If they constantly hear negative comments about their appearance, they are more likely to become depressed. Our school-going children, especially girls, often feel depressed about this. If brands, advertisements, and billboards didn’t set these standards, they might not worry so much about it.
Solutions
First, I am quoting a hadith about relationships. Aisha (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
“Whoever seeks Allah’s pleasure by making people angry, Allah will be pleased with him and will make people pleased with him. And whoever seeks the pleasure of people by making Allah angry, Allah will be angry with him and will make people angry with him.”
Moreover, Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
“And We have made some of you a trial for others. Will you be patient? And your Lord is indeed All-Seeing.” (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:20)
Allah Almighty sees everything that people do. So don’t be too sad about people’s behavior. Allah knows everything. Therefore, try to please Allah, and you will see that the people around you will also be pleased with you.
Regarding Rizq (Provision)
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “If a person flees from his provision, just as he flees from death, his provision will still reach him, just as death reaches him.”
Regarding Rizq, Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
“And whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will fulfill His decree.” (Surah Al-Talaq, 65:2,3)
This doesn’t mean that you should stop working hard. It means that you should be calm. You will definitely get your predetermined provision, but you must work hard for it. Continue praying and working. You might get something even better than what you desire. In this way, your financial problems will be solved, Insha’Allah.
Regarding Past Events
I am quoting a verse from the Quran:
“Indeed, the allies of Allah have no fear and no sorrow.” (Surah Yunus, 10:62)
Regarding Feeling Inferior
When you feel inferior, you should remember that Allah has created you in the best form. Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
“Indeed, We have created man in the best form.” (Surah Al-Teen, 95:4)
You are a creation of Allah. You should never feel inferior or inadequate. Don’t be a friend of Satan. Satan will definitely harm you and make you hopeless. Try to boost yourself. Learn to live life beautifully and happily. Take care of yourself. You have the right over your body and mind. Therefore, try to get rid of sadness as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may become your habit.
Dear brothers and sisters, don’t let yourself fall into depression. Never think that you are finished. Life is long, and you still have a lot to do. If you lose hope now, how will you get back up? Therefore, have faith in Allah. Seek help from Allah. Take medicine according to your doctor’s advice. Consult with your doctor regularly. Insha’Allah, Allah will heal you.
